Bell lights



.1963 c. VAUGHN, JR, ETAL 3,077,138

BELL LIGHTS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 19, 1960 INVENTOR5 {Zea sea www ytfz fay/v M94756 Feb. 12, 1963 Filed July 19, 1960 c. VAUGHN, JR., ETAL 3,077,138

BELL LIGHTS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 12, 1963 c. VAUGHN, JR., ETAL 3,077,138

BELL LIGHTS Filed July 19, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 z lzuunuuuIlium United States Patent Dfifice 3,@?7,l38 Patented Feb. 12, 1963 2 4372138 BELL HGHTS Claybron Vaughn, Zhu, and Eohn F. Walter, Atlanta, Gar, assignors to Product Design, inc, Atlanta, Ga. Filed duly 19, 19nd, tier. 43,934 7 Claims. (Cl. ss -res;

This invention relates to bell lights, and more particularly to a novel arrangement or" combined bells and lights particularly adapted for decorations on Christmas trees or the like.

A primary object of the invention is the provision of a string of combined lights and bells including means whereby the bells, which are differently toned, may be sequentially struck to play Christmas carols or other suitable tunes or melodies.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a string of bell lights or" this character which may be employed for commercial or industrial decorations, or various promotional activities.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a string of bell lights of this character wherein a unitary structure consisting of a light socket and a tuned bell is provided, the bells of the string being individually tuned, and provided interiorly with solenoids which will, under the direction of an appropriate record or tape, be struck according to a predetermined sequence to provide a melody or tune.

A more specific object of the invention is the provision of a device of this character wherein the striking of the bell will be effected on de-energization of the solenoid.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a program control in conjunction with a string or such bell lights which includes interchangeable cards or music sheets which may be readily replaced in order LO change the tune or melody played on the bells.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a string or series of bell lights of this character wherein the lights may be illuminated either continuously or sequentially in accordance with the operation of the solenoids for striking the bells.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of such a device which is highly ornamental in character and which is audibly as well as visibly pleasing to the senses.

Still other objects reside in the combinations of elements, arrangements of parts, and features of construction, all as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter and disclosed in the accompanying drawings wherein there are shown preferred embodiments of this inventive concept.

In the drawings:

FEGURE 1 is a perspective view of a portion of one form of a string of bell lights constructed in accordance with the instant invention.

FlGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially dong the line 2-2 of KG. 1 as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrows.

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of the construction of FIG. 2.

FIGURE 4 is a modified form of bell and striker mechanism.

PiGURE 5 is a further modified form of audible signal in accordance with the instant invention.

FIGURE 6 is an illustrative operating circuit to be employed with the apparatus or" the instant invention.

FIGURE 7 is an exploded perspective view of one form of control box constructed in accordance with the instant invention.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional viet showing the manner in which a given, selected circuit is mechanically completed by the bristles penetrating through a perforation in the programming card; and

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a modified form of programming device.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views or" the drawings.

Having reference now to the drawings in detail, there is generally indicated at it} a string of bell lights constructed in accordance with the instant invention. Each bell light consists or a properly tuned bell Ill, the several bells being differently tuned to various musical notes or the like, and each of which having suitably secured thereto a light socket housing 12, the bells and housings being suitably connected by wiring 13 which extends to a control box generally indicated at 14. A suitable Wire 15 provided with a plug 16 enables the control box and the string of lights to be connected to any suitable source of electrical current as, for example, a volt convenience outlet, the device being constructed to operate at this voltage to avoid the necessity for the use of a transformer.

Having reference now particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bell light assembly is shown in detail, and includes a bell ll which is provided with an internal threaded socket 17, including an internally depending flange which accommodates the threaded stem 18 of the light socket 12. Socket 12 is provided with an internal threaded housing ll which is mounted on an interior flange 20 of insulating material and which is adapted for the reception of a light bulb 21. A transparent or translucent housing 22 surrounds the bulb 2i, and includes a threaded flange 23 which seats in an upper threaded bore 24 of soclte 12. Current is provided through Wire 13, which extends to the usual contact member 25 in the base of socket 19, and extends therefrom through a wire 26 extending through a bore 27 interiorly of stem 18 to a solenoid coil 29. The solenoid coil 29 is carried by a suitable supporting bracket 39 mounted on the exterior of stem 18 inside the bell 11. The coil 29 is provided with a core 31, which comprises a striker for the device, the core being normally spring biased by means of a coil spring 32 to a point immediately adjacent the inner surface of hell 11, a relatively slight air gap 33 being normally provided between the inner surface of the bell and the end of the striker. Spring 32 may be held in position in any desired manner, as by engagement of one of its ends with a suitable bore 34- in the end of striker or core 31.

in the normal use of the device, the solenoid which is die-energized assumes the position as shown in FIG. 2, with the striker positioned a slight distance from the inner surface of the bell. When the solenoid is energized, in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter, the striker 31 is withdrawn against the pressure of the spring 32 momentarily, and when immediately released, spring 32 forces striker outwardly not only to the position shown in the figure, but by inertia, beyond this point to strike the bell, the striker immediately returning to its normal position or point of equilibrium, and by the sudden impact sounding a clear, sharp note on the bell.

Conventional design criteria and the positioning of the solenoid, determining the spring tension, the width of the air gap, and other factors which may be determined by conventional engineering practice substantially eliminate double striking of the bell, abnormal dwell time, and other dirficuities.

- reason of the striking or" the bell when the solenoid ized certain disadvantages are completely obc For example, if, the bell is composed of magnetic material, as is conventional, no strain such as would be the magnetic field of the solenoid when enerstrain.

La non-magnetic tip as would be otherwise required, since the striker will not stick to the bell damping it, as would be the case if the hell were struck when the solenoid was energized.

FiGURE 4 discloses a modified form of bell construction, and includes a bell Illa and light socket 11201 the latter being provided with a stem 13a which mounts a solenoid coil 2%. in this arrangement the coil 2% is mounted vertically, and is provided with a core 31a, from which extends a striker 32a, which may be comprised of resilient material such as a coil spring, the latter including a metallic tip 33a. When the solenoid core 31a is activated by energization of the solenoid in this modiiication, the tip 33a strikes the bell lie, the resiliency of the spring causing the actual impact to occur after the momentary energization of the coil 2%. The spring 32 is eliminated in this modification, and gravity returns to the solenoid core 31a to ino erative position.

FEGURE discloses a further modified form of the invention, wherein a solenoid coil 29b is suitably mounted on brackets 30b interiorly of an ornamental cover or shield 40, which is provided with a hook 41 for suitable suspension or the like. The shield contains a bulb 22!) mounted in a socket 196 and supplied with current through a suitable wire 13 which similarly energizes the solenoid coil 2%. in this case the solenoid core 31b is adapted upon encrgization of the coil 2% to move inwardly carrying a spring finger 42 having a striker 43 thereon into contact with a resonating bar 44, which is suitably supported on a depending bracket 45 secured to the frame 46 of solenoid coil 2%. Suitable insulated supporting bushings 47 carry the plate or bar 44 in such manner as to preclude damping thereof when struck by the striker 43.

The striking elements of FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 are all energized in a substantially identical manner, through a control box or the like, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The control box 14 includes a base 5d, which carries an insulating plate 51, upon which are mounted a plurality of concentric conducting rings 52. Each of the rings 5?. is connected by an individual wire 52a to a selected one of bells 11, all the wi ing extending through the conduit or wire 13. A perforated programming card 53 is adapted to be positioned over the conductive rings 52, the perforations 54 being selectively spaced so that when contact is made by means of conductive bristles 55 with a selected one of the conducting rings 52 through an appropriate perforation an individual solenoid will be energized and strike a note from its associated bell. The conductive bristles are mounted on a wiper arm 56, which in turn is mounted on the drive shaft 57 of a conventional motor 5-8, which is supplied with power through the lead 15. Motor 5% is contained in a closed receptacle 59, which forms the cover of control box 14, and which in turn is provided with a lid 60 hinged at 69a, which may be opened to provide access to the motor 58 and its associated mechanism. Motor 58 may be synchronous or contain a suitable speed control 61 to govern the speed of rotation of the wiper arm 56, and hence the speed of the sequence of bell tones effected by the perforations 54- and programming card 53. The card 53 may be made by the manufacturer, or may be individually manufactured at home. In the event that such programming card is homemade, any suitable quality of paper may be used and suitably perforated in accordance with the appropriate notes. It should be noted that the wiping arm es rotates at a constant motor speed or motor speed predetermined by the speed control 61 so that its angular velocity is constant, and since this velocity is constant for all of the channels or rings 52, the angular displacement of the perforations must be varied in accordance with their -distance from the axis of rotation of the arm. For example, two points subtending a twenty degree angle at the center would be twice :as far apart in time as two points subtending a ten degree angle at the center, and

the relative annular spacing of the points must maintain the angular displacement for a given interval of time as they progress outwardly from the center of the card.

The card so may obviously be removed and replaced by simply removing the top section 59 from the base Sit.

FIGURE 9 discloses a modified form of programming wherein a motor shaft 5% is surrounded by conductive roll 65, which is adapted to be engaged selectively by a plurality of spring wiping fingers 66 mounted on an insulating block 67 and each connected by an individual wire 68 to an appropriate bell. A perforated tape 69 passes over roll 65 beneath the Wiping finger (i6, and when an appropriate perforation 78 passes beneath the extremity of the wiping finger es, contact is established to strike an individunl bell. Suitable idler rollers '71 and 72 are provided for appropriately spacing of the tape, which is rotated by the contact roll 65. The drive shaft 57 in each instance provides a common electrical point for any selected one of the circuits established through either rings 52 or wiper fingers 66 and arm 67 permitting the circuit to be completed through the motor housing, and eliminating the need for slip rings or other similar contacts.

FIGURE 6 discloses an illustrative wiring diagram, wherein lead wires 15 extend through a suitable manual off and on control switch 75 either directly or through a transformer 76 to a terminal 77. From the terminal 77 a wire 78 extends through a series of individual terminals '7"? through each individual light 21, the return line 80 extending to the other line 1'5 or to a terminal 90 on transformer '76. From terminal 77 another line 96 extends to one of the brushes 82 of motor 53. From the other brush 81 a wire 83 extends through a suitable manual control switch 84 and wire 85 back to terminal hi3 so that when switch as is opened the lights 21 are illuminated independently of the bell striking circuit. The ball striking circuit is established from 85 or 15 through switch S4 to connection 83 to the wiper bristles 55 carried by the drive shaft 57 of the motor, which is connected to brush 81 of motor 58 and thence through line 52a to solenoid coils 2b and thence through line 78 to contact '77 of the other side of the transformer '76. Selective engagement of, the contact bristles 55 is accomplished with the selected one of contacts 52 through a perforation 54 in programming card 53. The individual wires 52a extend to the solenoid coils Z9, energizing the selected individual coil to move its core 31 to strike the adjacent bell producing a preselected program note.

From the foregoing it will now be seen that there is herein provided a device which accomplishes all of the objects of this invention and others, including many advantages of great practical utility and commercial importance.

As many embodiments may be made of this inventive concept, and as many modifications may be made in the embodiments hercinbefore shown and described, it is to be understood that all matter herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

1. In a device of the character described, a plurality of individual decorative lights, at least 8 tuned rigid vibrators associated with said lights, each said vibrator being tuned to a dififerent note of musical scale, a solenoid coil operatively associated with each tuned rigid vibrator, a core for each coil comprising a striker for its associated vibrato-r, a control box, a constant speed unidirectional motor in said control box, a source of electrical energy, a circuit between said source of electrical energy extending through said control box to said lights and said solenoids, a plurality of first contacts in said control box, one for each solenoid, a programming element including perforations arranged in a predetermined sequence covering said first contacts, and a second contact means located adjacent said programming element selectively engaging one of said first-mentioned contacts through a perforation to energize the selected solenoid to strike a tuned vibrator giving forth a predetermined note as the relative position of said programming element and said second contact is changed, said second contact means being operable to provide a melodic sequence of notes in accordance with the positioning of the perforation on said programing element, said programming element being comprised of cir cuit breaking material.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said programming element comprises a programming card, and said second contact means comprises a wiper arm, said contact means comprising concentric conductive rings.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein said programming element comprises a movable endless tape, and said contacts comprise a plurality of fixed wiping fingers each individually connected to an individual solenoid, and said movable contact means comprises a rotatable conductive roller.

4. The structure of claim 1 wherein each striker is arranged to strike its associated rigid vibrator after de-energization of its associated solenoid.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein each solenoid is horizontally mounted with respect to the axis of its associated rigid vibrator, and each core is spring biased outwardly to a position adjacent the interior of the rigid vibrator leaving an air space between the end of the striker and the inner surface of said vibrator, whereby upon energization of the solenoid coil the striker is retracted, and upon subsequent de-energization the striker moves 5 under the impetus of said spring beyond its point of equilibrium to strike said vibrator.

6. The structure of claim 1 wherein said solenoid coil is vertically mounted and said striker comprises a resilient arm having a striker tip thereon extending laterally from the core of said solenoid.

7. The structure of claim 1 wherein the rigid vibrator is in the form of a striker plate carried by the solenoid coil, and the solenoid core is attached to a resilient spring finger carrying a striker element.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 16,825 Greenewalt Dec. 20, 1927 1,071,939 McMurtry Sept. 2, 1913 1,124,215 Dempsey Jan. 5, 1915 1,197,910 Clement Sept. 12, 1916 1,231,398 Reinker June 26, 1917 1,322,379 Wade Nov. 18, 1919 2,132,297 Horowitz Oct. 4, 1938 2,598,574 Marra May 27, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 3,106 Great Britain 1886 189,542 Germany Oct. 18, 1907 563,048 Canada Sept. 9, 1958 

1. IN A DEVICE OF THE CHARACTER DESCRIBED, A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL DECORATIVE LIGHTS, AT LEAST 8 TUNED RIGID VIBRATORS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID LIGHTS, EACH SAID VIBRATOR BEING TUNED TO A DIFFERENT NOTE OF MUSICAL SCALE, A SOLENOID COIL OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH TUNED RIGID VIBRATOR, A CORE FOR EACH COIL COMPRISING A STRIKER FOR ITS ASSOCIATED VIBRATOR, A CONTROL BOX, A CONSTANT SPEED UNIDIRECTIONAL MOTOR IN SAID CONTROL BOX, A SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY, A CIRCUIT BETWEEN SAID SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY EXTENDING THROUGH SAID CONTROL BOX TO SAID LIGHTS AND SAID SOLENOIDS, A PLURALITY OF FIRST CONTACTS IN SAID CONTROL BOX, ONE FOR EACH SOLENOID, A PROGRAMMING ELEMENT INCLUDING PERFORATIONS ARRANGED IN A PREDETERMINED SEQUENCE COVERING SAID FIRST CONTACTS, AND A SECOND CONTACT MEANS LOCATED ADJACENT SAID PROGRAMMING ELEMENT SELECTIVELY ENGAGING ONE OF SAID FIRST-MENTIONED CONTACTS THROUGH A PERFORATION TO ENERGIZE THE SELECTED SOLENOID TO STRIKE A TUNED VIBRATOR GIVING FORTH A PREDETERMINED NOTE AS THE RELATIVE POSITION OF SAID PROGRAMMING ELEMENT AND SAID SECOND CONTACT IS 